Nineteenth-century Mt Macedon property opens its restored gardens

Open Garden

One of Mt Macedon's oldest properties, developed by a Scotsman in the style of an Indian hill station, is open this weekend to coincide with the Garden Lovers' Fair at nearby Bolobek. Glenrannoch dates from 1873 and features a wide array of mature trees (monkey puzzles, cedars, spruces, beeches, poplars, maples – the list goes on) and eye-catching drifts of spring-flowering bulbs. The current owners have spent 20 years restoring the garden in the "old Mt Macedon style". It is at 84 Devonshire Lane, Mt Macedon and is open from 10am to 4.30pm today and tomorrow, $8. Go to opengardensvictoria.org.au for more information.

Lecture

Gardening writer Christine Reid has turned her focus to gardens that are closely connected with their surrounding natural landscape. Gardens on the Edge is the name of both her book, published by Murdoch Books, and her lecture at East Melbourne's Johnston Collection. Reid discusses 18 gardens that have been created alongside "natural frontiers", which include everything from a rainforest, desert and mountain range to an ocean. She will speak on Wednesday, October 17, 10am to 11.30am, $20. Go to johnstoncollection.org for more information or to make a booking.

Country Gardens

Four West Gippsland gardens will be visited during an all-day coach tour on Saturday, October 20. The tour is organised by Encouraging Women in Horticulture (EWHA) and departs from Federation Square at 8.30am, returning at 5.45pm, $120/$85 members. Email events@ewha.com.au for more information or to make a booking.